Enjoy healthy life= the transition from simply living, to living well
As much as we acknowledge the importance of healthy living, let’s face it, the complexities that come with modern life can get in the way of recognising what’s most important: you!
Healthy eating is a big part of keeping your body nourished. It is a combination of eating well and movement, the key to unlocking the best version of yourself.
More (of the right) Fat
It’s time to replace the harmful processed, trans-fats in your kitchen with healthier unsaturated and monosaturated fats like NutMad’s Activated Almonds.
The omega-3 found in unsaturated foods such as avocados, fish, seeds and a variety of nuts acts as a healing agent against inflammation and high cholesterol. Also, it gives our brains that extra boost.
In fact, researchers at Harvard University conducted a study of 126,000 people over three decades. In this, they found that participants with a diet high in unsaturated fats lived longer compared to participants with a higher consumption of the trans fats found in processed food.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness may seem like a trendy buzz-word. However, this therapeutic practice has been around for thousands of years, dating back to early teachings of Buddha. Notable corporations such as Google and Apple have implemented secular mindfulness techniques in the workplace.
But how exactly does mindfulness improve your health and wellbeing?
There is synergy between the mind and body. Often, if we feel stressed, anxious, or experience feelings of low mood and self-worth, our bodies react accordingly by manifesting these feelings physically.
The NHS has recognised the positive effects mindfulness has on our daily lives stating that: “
Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better.”
Great! But what if you don’t have time to sit down and practice mindfulness meditation for hours?
Well, mindfulness doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in a cross-legged position humming “om” for several hours or prohibiting negative thoughts. On the contrary, it encourages awareness of how our thoughts and feelings impact our day-to-day lives. Also, recognising how this can take you away from fully experiencing the present moment.
There are a number of ways we can do this. Try taking:
- a few minutes to sit and focus on your breathing and surroundings,
- time to appreciate the flavours between each mouthful of food,
- relaxing mineral salt-bath to decompress after a busy day,
- developing breathing techniques through exercises such as yoga and tai-chi.
Movement
Simply put, our bodies are built to move. There is an abundance of research which shows the direct correlation between exercise and the prevention and management of good health.
So if we know how important exercise is, why aren’t we doing more of it instinctively?
Exercise often inspires a picture of strenuous, vigorous and time-consuming activities which means we need to change our mindset about what exercise means to us personally.
Feeling worn-out by continuous overthinking and anxious thoughts?
Yoga and tai-chi teach you how to remove tension and blockages by using breath work to bring you back to your body.
Is one of your goals for the New Year to improve your confidence as well as your mood?
Walking and running not only helps to trigger feel-good endorphins. Additionally, goal-orientated running apps such as Couch to 5k allow you to build your confidence by gradually improving your performance.
When it comes to movement and exercise, there is so much choice available. The only thing you have to do is remove judgement by selecting something that aligns with your own goals.
